Glad you aren’t offended. The point of this article isn’t to offend, it is to argue to the point of ridiculous and prompt discussion.

Yes, I believe there’s a classic liberal position which is reasonable. It says everyone has to co-exist in a pluralistic society, so let’s try to rub along and make the best of it, bumbling through the legal stuff as we go to make things as equitable as possible for all members of society. Ideally socialism, but that doesn’t fly in the US.

The reasoned position on paedophilia is actually ‘let’s discuss this’ because we don’t have a cogent answer, anything that promotes child safety is fine by me – I would prefer that to be rehabilitation rather than incarceration- but that’s a balancing act for people with more experience than my decade in social work. Leave that to politicians and judges. The point is, I’ve thought about it – I suspect you have too. The conclusions drawn have been reasoned, that isn’t often the case with the alt-right or the woke. They come out all guns blazing with little thought of the ramifications. You’re bemused rather than offended because you see the provocation behind my style. Angrier people who insist they wouldn’t do it, must answer ‘why not’? It’s a simple enough question and requires some introspection.

My style of writing is broad affront in the articles themselves and a lot more considered in the comments. Medium is a place for discussion, but it is also a market place for ideas. The style might get you through the door – but the good stuff is always out the back. Thanks for commenting and adding to the discussion.